Major Flood Warning Issued for Fitzroy River Catchment; Major Flooding at Baralaba

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20765) for the Fitzroy River Catchment. This is the 17th warning issued for this event, highlighting major flooding currently occurring at Baralaba and the potential for renewed moderate flooding at Theodore Weir and Yaamba.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several river systems and locations within Queensland, including:

• Dawson River: Baralaba, Moura, Taroom, Theodore Weir, Karamea, Beckers, and Knebworth.
• Fitzroy River: Yaamba and Rockhampton.
• Other Rivers: Comet River, Connors and Isaac Rivers (including Yatton), Mackenzie River (including Tartrus), and Nogoa River.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected catchment areas should monitor local river levels and stay informed as flows move through the system. Those near the Dawson River should be prepared for renewed rises as upstream flows arrive over the coming days. Residents in the lower Fitzroy River, including Yaamba and Rockhampton, should prepare for rising levels through the weekend.

Expected Conditions

• Baralaba (Dawson River): Major flooding is occurring. The river level is expected to remain well above the major flood level of 9.00 meters for the next several days.
• Taroom (Dawson River): Currently at 6.15 meters and falling, but expected to remain above the moderate flood level (6.00 meters) through Friday.
• Theodore Weir (Dawson River): Currently at 7.98 meters. Renewed rises are expected, with levels potentially exceeding the moderate flood level (11.00 meters) starting Sunday.
• Yaamba (Fitzroy River): Moderate flooding is possible starting late Friday as upstream flows arrive.
• Moura (Dawson River): Estimated to be above the minor flood level (6.00 meters) and likely to remain so for several days.
• Yatton (Isaac River): Minor flooding is currently easing slowly.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 3:56 pm AEST on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Elevated river levels are expected to persist across the next few days. River level rises are expected at Rockhampton through the weekend and into next week. The current warning phase is an update and is effective until March 15, 2026.